Meteora: Monasteries Tour with Lunch and Athens Tranfer Option
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Meteora: Monasteries Tour with Lunch and Athens Tranfer Option

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(64 reviews)
5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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About this experience

Join this tour departing daily from Kalambaka's train station to discover Meteora. Explore majestic monasteries, learn the region's history, enjoy panoramic views and taste an authentic Greek lunch.

Available options

Meteora Tour with Lunch

Select this option to experience an extraordinary Meteora Tour with lunch starting from Kalambaka's train station.

Until May 14: Tour and Lunch

Duration: 4 hours: Meteora train routes were temporarily changed. Now arrive at 13:11 with return trip at 16:45.<br/>Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Greek lunch including salad, main dish, bread and water.<br/>Itinerary Until May 14: To accommodate train’s temporary changes we will now visit 2 monasteries instead of 3. Rest of the itinerary remains the same

Tour with Athens Bus Transfer

Select this option to experience an extraordinary Meteora Tour with lunch and also enjoy roundtrip bus transfer from Athens.

What's included

WiFi and USB chargers on board
Free audio guides in Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese and Korean
Lunch at a local restaurant (salad, main dish, bread, and water)
Roundtrip Athens to Meteora transportation (if option selected)
Panoramic photo stops
Local, English-speaking tour guide
Visit 3 monasteries and see all of them
Transportation by air-conditioned bus
Pickup and drop-off from Kalambaka's train station
Bottle of water

Detailed itinerary

1

Embark on an extraordinary Meteora mid-day tour departing daily from Kalambaka's Train Station at 12:30. If you have your own vehicle you will find a convenient free parking lot there. Alternatively, if you wish to travel from Athens we can also provide roundtrip bus transportation by selecting the specific option on checkout (the direct train route is currently unavailable due to maintenance work).

Your journey starts by meeting our guide (holding a signboard with your name) and boarding our private, air-conditioned bus. First stop will be at a traditional local restaurant in the charming town of Kalambaka (exclusive to this tour), where you'll enjoy a delightful, traditional Greek lunch. Your meal includes a fresh salad, a choice of main dishes (with multiple options to cater to your preferences), freshly baked bread, and refreshing water. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available.

2
Stop 2 Pass by

Then, prepare for an unforgettable adventure through this natural wonder called Meteora. During this guided tour, you'll be able to see all the majestic monasteries of Meteora and even step inside three of them to explore their captivating interiors. Also, discover the hidden treasures of Meteora, including the ancient hermit caves, the Chapel of Doupiani, and the magnificent St. George Mandilas cave.

Immerse yourself in the rich history and intriguing myths of Meteora, as you hear detailed explanations and fascinating stories directly from our English-speaking local guide. If English isn’t your primary language, don’t worry! We also offer free audio guides in Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese and Korean.

And of course, don't forget to capture breathtaking moments with your camera for lasting memories. The tour concludes at approximately 18:00.

3

The Varlaam Monastery or Monastery of All the Saints is located on an imposing rock exactly opposite of the Great Meteoron and it is the second largest monastery.

4

The Monastery of Saint Nicholas of Anapafsas is literally suspended in air on a small rock and is the first monastery that we meet on our way from Kastraki village to the stone forest of Holy Meteora.

5

The Monastery of Great Meteoron or Transfiguration of Christ, expresses the greatness and history of the Holy Meteora, as it is the oldest and most important monastery.

6

The Roussanou Monastery, also known as Arsani, stands on top of an impressive vertical and steep cliff of Meteora, between the Monasteries of Saint Nicholas Anapafsas and Varlaam.

7

The Monastery of the Holy Trinity is the third oldest monastery in Meteora and is the most difficult to reach, since the visitor has to cross a downhill path and then ascend 145 steps carved into the rock. It is said that at the time when the monks used a rope ladder and a net, they spent 70 years to carry the materials and build the monastery!

8

The Monastery of Saint Stephen’s is located just above the city of Kalampaka and is the most accessible monastery in Meteora, as there are no steps to reach the entrance and the access is easy through a small stone bridge.

What's not included

Entrance Fee of Each Meteora Monastery
Guided tour inside the monasteries

Available languages

Audio guide
DE KO JA ZH-CN IT FR ES
Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6
20 reviews
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Tripadvisor 5.0
44 reviews
5★
42
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Important information

Specialized infant seats are available
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This Meteora tour was initially tailored for travelers arriving via the convenient train route from Athens. However, at present, the direct train service to Meteora stands temporarily suspended for essential maintenance work. To accommodate those wishing to join us from Athens, we have introduced a convenient roundtrip bus transportation option. When booking your journey, simply select this alternative to embark on a seamless adventure to the captivating Meteora region.
The monasteries of Meteora impose a dress code in order to enter inside. Men must wear long trousers and women must wear long skirts (below the knee) and cover their shoulders. Skirts are also available for purchase/rent at the entrance of the monasteries. A long scarf wrapped around the waist is also sufficient to enter the monasteries
The monasteries of Meteora only accept cash for the entrance fees (€5 per person/monastery) which are not included in the price of this tour
If you wish to use our free audio guides in Spanish, French or Italian, please be sure to bring your smartphone and earphones with you.

Meeting point

If you selected the option "7:45 AM | Tour with Athens Bus Transfer" meet us in Athens. The bus will be conveniently located on the street across the Central Railway Station of Athens (Stathmos Larisis). You'll easily identify it by the "Meteora Trip" sign displayed in the front window.

About Meteora

Meteora is a unique geological and historical site in Greece, famous for its stunning rock formations and historic monasteries perched atop towering pillars. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers breathtaking views and a rich cultural heritage that attracts visitors from around the world.

Top Attractions

Meteora Monasteries

A complex of Eastern Orthodox monasteries built on top of natural sandstone pillars, dating back to the 14th century.

Historical/Religious Half to full day €3-€5 per monastery

Meteora Hiking Trails

Scenic trails offering stunning views of the rock formations and monasteries.

Nature/Adventure 2-4 hours Free

Kalambaka

A charming town at the foot of the Meteora rocks, known for its traditional architecture and local cuisine.

Cultural Half day Free to explore

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pita

A savory pie filled with various ingredients like spinach, cheese, or meat.

Dinner Vegetarian options available

Souvlaki

Grilled meat skewers, often served with pita bread and tzatziki sauce.

Snack Contains meat

Dolmades

Grappe leaves stuffed with rice and herbs.

Appetizer Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking Rock climbing Caving Wine tasting Dining at local tavernas Strolling through Kalambaka Old Town Visiting monasteries Exploring historic towns

Best Time to Visit

April to October

This is the best time to visit Meteora, with pleasant weather and clear skies ideal for hiking and sightseeing.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Greek
  • Widely spoken: English
  • English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

EET (GMT+2), EEST (GMT+3) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Meteora is a safe destination with low crime rates. Standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure
  • • Be cautious when hiking alone
  • • Use reputable tour operators

Getting there

By air
  • Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport • 220 km from Meteora
By train

Kalambaka Station

By bus

Kalambaka Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are infrequent and may not cover all areas. Taxis are a better option for convenience.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Beat

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Kalambaka Kastraki

Day trips

Trikala
30 km from Meteora • Half day

A historic town with a mix of Ottoman and Greek architecture, known for its traditional markets and local cuisine.

Larissa
60 km from Meteora • Full day

A major city with a rich history, offering a variety of museums, parks, and dining options.

Festivals

Meteora Festival • July Easter Celebrations • March/April (dates vary)

Pro tips

  • Visit the monasteries early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
  • Hike the Meteora trails for stunning views and a unique perspective of the rock formations.
  • Try local dishes like 'pita' and 'souvlaki' at traditional tavernas in Kalambaka.
  • Pack comfortable hiking shoes and a camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes.
  • Stay in Kastraki for a quieter experience and easy access to hiking trails.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 13-99
1
Childs
Age 0-12
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
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Free cancellation available
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